Elisabeth’s Tearful Farewell

Hasselbeck: “This hurts!” Today, Fox & Friends co-anchor Elisabeth Hasselbeck said  a painful goodbye to her co-hosts, Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade; the F&F crew; and her fans after a mere two plus years on the curvy couch. The three hours of F&F today were replete with homages to Elisabeth from the likes of Judge Andrew Napolitano, Governor Chris Christie, and GOP front runner Donald Trump. And, Elisabeth was effusive in her praise for, of course, the boss Roger Ailes, for her co-hosts Steve and Brian, and seemingly for every Tom, Dick, and Harry who works for F&F. It was vintage Elisabeth: sweet, cloying so, and seemingly sincere.

The author wishes her well in her position as CBO, i.e., Chief Breakfast Officer, of the Hasselbeck household. Speaking of which, it seems odd, in retrospect, that her own family, hubby Tim and the kids, seemed to have taken a backseat to her work family of Steve, Brian, newsreader Heather Nauert, meteorologist Maria Molina, and the F&F crew today. The faithful F&F fan might have hoped to hear not only her fond farewells to her F&F fam (and fans) today but also a dear, sweet welcome back to full-time work as Hasselbeck CBO from her eagerly awaiting hubs and kiddos–on screen or even on the phone this morn. Alas, it was not to be.

Elisabeth, even though you initially seemed to the author to be an odd choice to follow the footsteps of E.D. Hill and Gretchen Carlson, you have earned your place on the curvy couch–as a sister to Steve and Brian rather than the sexy siren to her couch mates. Much success in the future, Elisabeth!

[Author’s aside: The subtitle, infra, is a quote from Elisabeth re her departure in the final moments of the first F&F segment this morning. F&F – 12/22/15 (@ 6:10 a.m. ET).]

Aly Tears Up: “My Last Day”

“Censored” Camerota’s “Orwellian Twist”: A very special day.”Not! In her America’s News HQ tease today on Happening Now, Alisyn Camerota promised, “Today is a very special day for us: we hope that you’ll tune in at the top of the hour!”* For those who did tune in as Aly asked, it was anything but–special.

Of course, Aly’s fans knew the end was near. On Monday, TVNewser reported that her tenure at Fox News would conclude sometime this month. On Tuesday, Judge Napolitano clued Aly’s acolytes into the fact that her departure would possibly be this week when he rhetorically asked Aly if he would be on with her again, exclaiming, “Mother of God!” Today, the writing on Belshazzar’s wall needed no interpreting when Aly promised “a very special day.”

When America’s News Headquarters began to conclude this afternoon, Aly’s co-anchor Bill Hemmer announced, “And, today marks the end–of a wonderful run for our friend and our colleague, Alisyn Lane Cameota.”** As tears began to well up in Aly’s eyes, Bill continued, “I tried to talk her out of it: Oh, I tried! She’s leaving us after sixteen years here at the Fox News channel but she leaves us laughing because that’s what Aly does!”

On cue, a collage of innocuous Aly FNC clips ran: Unfortunately, it appeared to have been cobbled together at the last minute by an intern who had little knowledge of Aly’s tenure on the “Fair and Balanced” network. Bizarrely, there was no real footage of Aly with her Fox & Friends Weekend co-hosts during her remarkable three stints on the show: Vintage Aly video with her comeliest of co-hosts Kiran Chetry and their stalwart colleague Kelly Wright was a no-show, e.g., the hilarious spanking tape; Aly clips with her Doublemen twins, Clayton Morris and Dave Briggs, on cam were absent, e.g., “Dave’s Farewell;” and Aly snippets with her final F&FW fellows Clayton and Tucker Carlson apparently were also left on the cutting floor, e.g., Aly’s full “Down and Dirty in the Mud.” To make matters even worse, there was no vid of Aly and the F&F week day boys, Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade either (“Aly’s Back: She’s Rocking–& Ringless“).

In the strange melange today, it was almost all Aly and Bill: There was scant recognition of what Aly has meant to her fans throughout the years on Fox & Friends (weekend and week day). Aly was and is an FNC icon: Too bad, Bill Shine appears to not aptly appreciate that fact. But, Aly’s fans do.

Kudos, Aly! A job well done. You will be missed!

*Happening Now – 03/14/14 (@ 12:43 p.m. ET).

*America’s News HQ – 03/14/14 (@ 1:54 p.m. ET).

Update: J$P vid: “Alisyn Signs Off from Fox News.”

Alisyn Camerota: Departure “Bittersweet”

Staying classy. “Mother of God!,” exclaimed Judge Andrew Napolitano as he revealed beloved long-time FNC anchor Alisyn Camerota‘s imminent departure from the network to her America’s News HQ viewers today. Even though Aly had not yet announced her adieu to her audience, the Judge let them in on her “secret” at the end of his segment this afternoon.*

When the Judge finished his America’s News HQ analysis (on passenger rights on an ill-fated cruise), Aly remarked, “Judge, great to see you”: Grabbing her hand forthwith and kissing it affectionately, he animatedly remarked, “Pleasure. Aly, all the best to you! Is this the last time I’ll be on with you? Mother of God!” Not quite acknowledging his disclosure, she jested, “I doubt it! I sense [that] you’ll be at my house a lot!”

But, the erstwhile three-time queen of Fox & Friends Weekend was more forth coming to her Twitter followers earlier in the day. In a obvious nod to her fans who had Tweeted or otherwise expressed their love for her and her work after learning of her leaving Fox News, Aly Tweeted, “Wowee! Thanks for all the beautiful tweets and well wishes. It’s great to feel the impact of the work I’ve done. #bittersweet.”

Bittersweet indeed. According to the TVNewser’s scoop, Aly is expected to leave the building later this month. Encore, Aly!

*America’s News HQ – 03/11/14 (@ 1:49 p.m. ET).

Fox & Friends’ Hasselbeck: The New View

Brian Kilmeade: “It’s time for a new day.” Yesterday, former View co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck succeeded Gretchen Carlson as the new queen of the curvy couch. After being unceremoniously snubbed by Gretch Friday, Elisabeth returned the favor by not even alluding to her predecessor (even re the segments on the new Miss America winner): The return slight was made all the more conspicuous since Gretchen was excitedly celebrating her silver anniversary as Miss America. Perhaps, Elisabeth was simply letting the past be the past: After all, FNC had just created a new studio for the “high maintenance” lovely according to Judge Andrew Napolitano.*

The Survivor siren definitely has the potential to be a successful F&F co-host: She’s bright, tough, and beautiful–and she certainly has the requisite gorgeous gams to boot. Furthermore, she surely has the right mentality about the F&F family but she took the metaphor a mite too far in her tease preview vid when she deemed her co-hosts Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade to be like “my brothers”: obviously, F&F uses sexual tension, real or feigned, between the boys and the gal to help propel ratings.

But, apparently, as Brian said in the opening to the latest F&F iteration Monday, “It’s time for a new day.” Hopefully, F&F can keep its natural feel and flow even with the new gal and the new set (that looks somewhat like the one at CNN’s New Day re the imposing window and gigantic couch, ironically). However, if it assumes a highbrow Upper East Side vibe, its more humble flyover fans may be less apt to follow as assiduously as they usually do.

Good luck, Elisabeth! And, welcome to the show!

[Author’s aside: Elisabeth jokingly referred to herself as “high maintenance” when Judge Napolitano suggested that FNC had built a new F&F studio for the blond beauty.]

*Fox & Friends – 09/16/13 (@ 6:36 a.m. ET)

Judge Napolitano: “[Biden] What a Jackass!”

Fox & Friends‘ Steve Doocy: “Whoa! How do you really feel!” Fox News senior judicial analyst Judge Andrew Napolitano was NOT impressed with Vice President Joe Biden’s performance last night. And, he was more than happy to express it in no uncertain terms this morning on Fox & Friends.

As Judge Napolitano finished his legal segment on F&F this morning (with co-hosts Steve Doocy, Gretchen Carlson, and Brian Kilmeade), he grumbled, “Listen, after watching the Yankees and Biden last night, oh, my goodness!”* [Italics added for emphasis.]

In explanation to any of his viewers who may not have known the results of the MLB playoff game, Brian replied, “Yankees lost and now there’ll be a game five tonight.”

Grousing, Judge Napolitano replied, “Yes, unfortunately! Biden lost, too. What a jackass! What a jackass!”

As Gretchen eyes widened in shock at the Judge’s assessment of the Vice President, Steve rejoined, “Whoa! How do you really feel!”

Similarly surprised, a beaming Brian chuckled, “Wow!”

Subsequently, a buzzer sounded, seemingly signaling the producers apparent discomfort with the Judge’s epithet. In response, Gretchen exclaimed, “And, that’s how we end the segment!”

As the Judge laughed uproariously, a still incredulous Gretchen concluded, “Thanks very much, Judge!”

“Wow!” Indeed.

*Fox & Friends – 10/12/12 (@ 6:41 a.m. ET)

Update: Segment vid via Mediaite (@ 02:23/02:38).

Fox & Friends First: “The Four” Now?

Patti Ann Brown, Ainsley Earhardt, Heather Childers, and Heather Nauert. Possibly, following in the footsteps of The Five, Fox & Friends First may be whittling down its number of initial hosts. As readers may recall, FNC announced the debut of The Five and listed ten rotating co-anchors including the current seven and Monica Crowley, Geraldo Rivera, and Judge Andrew Napolitano: When the Five celebrated its first anniversary last Monday on Fox & Friends, F&F co-anchor Gretchen Carlson noted that its roster had been pared down to seven (the “Magnificent Seven”), i.e., Greg Gutfeld, Kimberly Guilfoyle, Bob Beckel, Andrea Tantaros, Dana Perino, Juan Williams, and Eric Bolling.

In a similar fashion, Fox & Friends First started its new run in March with a slate of co-hosts that included not only the four that seem to be now predominating F&FF airplay qua anchors, i.e., Patti Ann Brown, Ainsley Earhardt, Heather Childers, and Heather Nauert but also Dave Briggs, Juliet Huddy, Julie Banderas, Anna Kooiman, Clayton Morris, Arthel Neville, and Jamie Colby. Even though the author has heard no new F&FF announcement, it’s website may provide a hint: only Patti Ann, Ainsley, and the two Heathers have their FNC bios listed on the official F&FF website.

Fox & Friends First Returns

Starring Anna Kooiman and Ainsley Earhardt–Monday. Fox & Friends First returns to the FNC morning line-up Monday according to a Hollywood Reporter exclusive. Reportedly, F&FF will begin at 5:00 a.m. ET, an hour earlier than the regular weekday edition of Fox & Friends. Furthermore, it will feature a cast of rotating anchors including FNC beauties (Anna, Ainsley, Juliet Huddy, Patti Ann Browne, Arthel Neville, Heather Childers, Heather Nauert, and Jamie Colby) and F&F Weekend “beasts” (Dave Briggs and Clayton Morris).

On the first show Monday, Fox News newbie Anna Kooiman joins her more experienced colleague Ainsley Earhardt (a former F&F Weekend co-host). Announcing the news to her Twitter followers, Anna excitedly Tweeted a photo of the “Fox & Friends First Gang Prepping for Monday!” In a follow-up only a minute later, she implored, “Wake up with Ainsley and Anna Monday Morning at 5am for Fox & Friends First!!!” To make sure that her admirers would, the very fit fitness expert included a pic of her and Ainsley prettily posing together.

Tune in, F&FW viewers, blond vixens Anna and Ainz will be ready to rouse you from your slumber!

[Author’s aside: The original version of Fox & Friends First debuted in 2001 and ended in 2008 (when F&F weekday was expanded to three hours). It, too, had a rotating cast of anchors including lovelies (Alisyn Camerota, Kiran Chetry, Juliet Huddy, and Lauren Green) and less-than-lovelies (Judge Andrew Napolitano, Steve Doocy, and Brian Kilmeade). For a look back at the original F&FF, cf.  Aly (2007 promo) and Kiran and Brian (2004 footage).]

Update 1: Today (Sunday), as Anna and Ainsley promoted their upcoming show on F&F Weekend, Ainsley said that the two of them would be on together this Monday through Wednesday.* During their segment with F&FW co-hosts Dave, Clayton, and Alisyn, Dave declared that he and Clayton would be a part of the F&FF anchor rotation this month: Seeming to indicate that she would not be a near futureF&FFco-host, a smiling Aly simply nodded her head at his obvious omission of herself and subsequently wished the co-hosts good luck with their new show. Later, in a Tweet, Dave clarified that he would be co-hosting F&FF this Thursday and Friday.

*F&FW – 03/04/12 (@ 8:42 a.m. ET)

Update 2: For vid of Anna and Ainsley’s F&FF promo on F&FW, link here. (H/t J$P.)

The Five: Shine’s “Scramble” or Shakeup?

Waiting for Megyn Kelly? Thursday Fox News Channel Senior VP of Programming Bill Shine announced that FNC will temporarily replace the Glenn Beck Show this summer with The Five. According to his press release, the prosaically dubbed opinion program will consist of five constantly changing “FOX personalities” such as Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino, Judge Andrew Napolitano, etc. who will be joined by various guests. On an optimistic note, Shine stated, “The Five brings together an eclectic group of FOX talent whose knowledge of key issues and unique insights will undoubtedly make for a dynamic program.”

Not too surprisingly, Shine’s decision to air this inchoate, amorphous show was not universally well received. To wit, Inside Cable News was not the least bit impressed. Rather, blogger Spud scoffed, “This is probably the most uninspiring offering FNC has put on the air….FNC is apparently out of new ideas and unsure of a future course of action regarding 5pm.” He acerbically added, “Nobody involved in this project should feel too secure about its future when the press release announcing it spells out that it has a short shelf life: This is FNC in a rare public manifestation of scramble mode…coming up with something to fill the space without regard to the suitability of that kind of programming at that time of day.

Spud appears exactly right that Shine is “coming up with something to fill the space without regard to [its] suitability.” However, in the author’s view, he may be mistaken that Shine is in “scramble mode.” Rather, Shine seems to be in the midst of a daytime shakeup.

By adopting the summer-long The Five, Shine places the spot virtually on a short hold for something–or, someone. In the author’s opinion, that someone may well be America Live anchor Megyn Kelly who is still on maternity leave. When she returns in a month or so, Shine will finally have the obvious slot for his still “rising star.”

In fact, Shine appears to have already anticipated Kelly’s move from the America Live slot to the later five o’clock hour.  Since she left for maternity leave in April, Shine has appeared to prepare for the possible transition by auditioning Kelly’s fellow FNC female daytime anchors for the America Live anchor seat. To wit, he has showcased Martha MacCallum (America’s Newsroom), Alisyn Camerota (Fox & Friends Weekend), and Gretchen Carlson (Fox & Friends weekday) in Kelly’s chair, not in the usual short rotations, but for long stints instead. In doing so, he has already acclimated the AL audience to their presence and their respective audiences to their absence. Not to mention, he has already brought in “the new girl,” Molly Line, to Fox & Friends Weekend to fill the empty seat in any future musical chairs.

Scramble or shakeup? Time will tell. Soon.

The Donald Jabs Obama: Hu, Too?

“You’ll let me know whether our President drops to his knees, right?” As Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived into the United States today, New York real estate mogul Donald Trump got in a sharp jab at President Barack Obama. During a phone interview with Your World host Neil Cavuto, the potential 2012 U.S. Presidential candidate opined about American-Chinese relations as Cavuto simultaneously covered live President Hu’s arrival at St. Andrew’s Air Force Base. When Cavuto noted, “Alright, they’re rolling out the red carpet [for President Hu],” Trump laughed, “”So, I don’t have a television in front of me: You’ll let me know whether our President drops to his knees, right?”*

In response, Cavuto smiled at Trump’s apparent acerbic reference to President Obama’s past “bowing” controversies, cautioning, “Now, Donald, careful, the President, the Vice President is there.” “Chastening” Trump further, “Cavuto continued, “You could do this when you’re President but right now we have an etiquette here.” In turn, Trump simply awaited Cavuto’s next query without comment.

[Author’s aside: In response to Trump’s jest, supra, off-camera Your World guest and FBN anchor Judge Andrew Napolitano could be heard laughing heartily.]

*Your World with Neil Cavuto – 01/18/11 (4:06 p.m. ET)